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Princess Royal opens accessible holiday lodge

Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, visited St Andrews on Thursday 4th July to officially open a brand new accessible holiday lodge for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and other disabilities.

Princess Anne,
who is Royal Patron of the charity MND Scotland, was joined on her visit by
Robert Balfour, the Lord-Lieutenant of Fife, as she toured the Clayton Lodge
and unveiled a plaque declaring the facility officially open.

The new accessible holiday lodge takes its name from the Clayton Caravan Park, where it is located, in the beautiful Eden Valley – just minutes from St Andrews and the stunning Fife coastline. The charity also operates an adapted holiday chalet near Oban.

The new
state-of-the-art disabled-friendly lodge has been specially designed with MND
in mind and began welcoming guests in April. The Clayton Lodge aims to provide
families affected by MND, and other disabilities, with a chance to take a break
from their normal routine and to enjoy a break together.

Due to the
physical progression of MND, there are often barriers to families taking a
break they may desperately need. That’s why the Clayton Lodge has been purpose
built to prioritise space and comfort and is fitted with an array of helpful
adaptations suitable for people with MND and other disabilities.

Her Royal
Highness, the Princess Royal,
touched down at former RAF base Leuchars at noon, and soon after she delivered
her remarks to specially invited guests at the lodge, many of who are directly
affected by MND.

She said:“I think it’s a pleasure to be asked to come today to see what you’ve achieved here. It is already open, I’ve had a report on its success and its popularity, so that’s even better.

“[MND
Scotland is] working from some experience, with previous caravan attendance
over 14 years, and that’s been really popular and I think that has made the
argument for having these facilities, slightly more modernised, using more
technology and a little more space, but can cater for families and individuals
at whatever stage they want to come and to have a break or holiday – holiday
being the key word; but also respite is important. Respite, wherever it is,
would be welcome, but when it’s really well set up, as it is here, a lot more
can be gained from that experience.

“To
officially open Clayton Lodge here for MND Scotland is a pleasure – and I hope
many more of you will take advantage of its facilities.”

She quipped: “Although, book early to avoid disappointment because I think it’s already booked up until October.”

Craig
Stockton, Chief Executive of MND Scotland, said:“It’s a privilege to welcome Her
Royal Highness to St Andrews to officially open MND Scotland’s brand new
accessible holiday lodge.

“Motor
Neurone Disease is a rapidly progressing and muscle-wasting terminal illness
and, as a result, people with MND can lose the ability to walk, talk, eat,
drink, and eventually breathe unaided.

“The pressures on those living with MND, and their family carers, can often be extreme. That’s why we have expanded our accessible holiday service, with this brand new facility, to enable families to take some time out from their normal routines, to take a much-needed break and to create some lasting memories together.

“We’re
honoured that Her Royal Highness has taken the time out of her busy schedule to
come to St Andrews to tour the Clayton Lodge and to meet those affected by
MND.”

The Clayton
Lodge is open to all with a disability, or no disability. People affected by
MND in Scotland receive a discounted rate and may also be able to access a
holiday grant from the charity to remove or significantly reduce the financial
burden of taking a break away.

It’s fantastic to see the fruition of such hard work and collaboration that has been put into to produce this inclusive destination. There is sadly a lack of accommodation with ceiling hoists across the UK which is preventing people from being able to go on holiday.

Fife is currently leading the way with this new lodge and other nearby specialist holiday venues in providing accessible accommodation. They offer people who need this equipment the opportunity to travel and spend time away with their families and friends.

If you have an inclusive business, project of service then get in touch to see if we could help share your story or collaborate to develop more inclusive destinations.